Online Dating Cost

How Much Does Online Dating Cost?

Whether looking for friendship, a weekend date or a marriage partner, millions turn to online dating companies. Some specialty sites cater to niche groups, pairing people interested in others from their religion, age group, hobbies, sexual orientation or physical disability.

Typical costs:

Initial sign-up is usually free with most online dating firms; free member status often allows singles to post photos and basic information about themselves and receive details about others. However, users typically must purchase subscriptions in order to access a broader range of services, including the ability to contact other members.

At $59.95 a month (or $19.95 a month with a one-year contract), eHarmony[1] is one of the largest, most established and most expensive online dating services. The company promotes what it says is a scientific approach to matching singles, based on compatible values and personality traits gleaned from a lengthy questionnaire that new members must complete during registration. eHarmony does not allow members to search for individuals on their own, but sends descriptions of potential matches daily.

Another major cyberdating company, Match.com[2] , charges $34.99 per month and allows members to contact other singles they have viewed on the site, via anonymous email.

One month of service with Spark.com[3] costs $24.99. Paid subscribers can search for partners based on keyword descriptions, receive pre-selected matches based on their preferences, or both.

Zoosk.com[4] charges $29.95 per month for full access that includes being able to contact other subscribers.

On some dating sites, both free members and paid subscribers can search for compatible people based on various personality traits, age and other indicators.

However, some sites permit non-subscribers to only view a person's basic information. For example, on SeniorMatch.com[10] , free members can conduct only a basic search including age range, gender and region of residence. Paid subscribers can search by more specific criteria.

Most company's websites include safety tips for cyberdating, as does Online Dating Magazine[11] , an independent consumer watchdog publication.

Online Dating Magazine also lists prices charged[12] by some major dating sites and also carries site reviews[13] .

Discounts:

Many companies do not give subscription prices before people have completed the free initial sign-up process.

Nearly all online dating services extend discounts to people who sign up longer term and pay the full amount up front. For example, while a one year plan costs $139.92 at Date.com[14]($11.66 per month), it's $34.95 for a one-month contract.

Shopping for online dating:

eHarmony offers its dating services only to heterosexuals. However, eHarmony also operates a separate dating site for lesbians and gays, CompatiblePartners.net[15] .

Subscription charges automatically renew after the initial period ends unless the company is notified to cancel a membership and stop the charge. Be sure to check the terms of service to understand when cancellation notifications must occur. Many have this information on their Help or Frequently Asked Questions page.

10 Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Before the HolidaysWith reunions and other get-togethers scheduled during the holiday season, most people want to look their best at this time of year. For some, that means filling in those wrinkles with a bit of botox, or having a nip and tuck down here and there. || Posted November 23 2013

And the Best Bacon Is...This little piggy went to market.After that, Consumer Reports bought samples and tasted to determine which little piggy offered the best bacon.Top honors go to Costco, it turns out. || Posted October 5 2013

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Nail + tips dipPaid: 70.00I wanted short nails, pretty, but stronger than mine. I had no clue what I was getting into... [more]

Quote for dental cleaning and possible extractionsPaid: 0.00The quote did not include the bloodwork and office visit prior to scheduled cleaning... (370.00) I am getting a second opinion...this price is outrageous! The cat is bright eyed and bushy tailed....eating and drinking..... [more]

Well Child Visit - 6 MonthPaid: 647.00Well child visit and 6 shots. I am trying to see what insurance did cover and am not happy how high this bill is just because of the shots. $155 just for the visit alone... [more]

Public School After School ProgramPaid: 507.00Our public school's after school program is $507 a month (or $5,070 a year). I thought it was a little pricey because it's for about 3 hours a day and sometimes I pick up my child early... [more]